Trail Fast Facts
Goat Hills Zig Zag Hike is an 8km, grade 3 hike in N. R. Pierce Reserve, Tasmania. This hike typically takes 3 hours to complete.
Hike Overview
The Goat Hills Zig Zag Hike is an 8km, grade 3 hike in N. R. Pierce Reserve, Tasmania, typically taking around 3 hours to complete.
Begin by ascending the switchbacks of the ZigZag Fire Trail, which connects to Dooley's Trail and leads to the summit of Goat Hill North at 673 meters. From the summit, enjoy unique views encompassing kunanyi / Mount Wellington, Hobart CBD, and the surrounding area, including Collinsvale. After reaching the summit, retrace your steps briefly and turn left to continue along the Zig Zag Fire Trail to the junction with Montrose and Goat Fire Trails. Follow Montrose Trail, gradually ascending to East West Trail. Turning right here will bring you back to Zig Zag Fire Trail, allowing you to descend to the trailhead at Collinsvale Road.
Along the hike, keep an eye out for wedge-tailed eagles soaring above, as well as devil and quoll footprints in the sand. Large tree hollows along the way may house masked owls.
This trail also offers the possibility of connecting to Wellington Park, with further hiking and riding options extending to Mount Hull and as far as Crabtree in the Huon Valley.
Track Grade
Grade 3 (Moderate) - Walks for Most Fitness Levels: Grade 3 on the AWTGS represents moderate walking tracks. These are ideal for walkers with some fitness who are comfortable with some hills and uneven terrain. While suitable for most ages, some bushwalking experience is recommended to ensure a safe and enjoyable experience. Tracks may have short, steep hill sections, a rough surface, and many steps. The total distance of a Grade 3 walk can be up to 20 kilometers.
Tips
- The reserve features numerous unmarked tracks and fire trails providing access to Transcend power lines and other services within the area.
- Walkers should exercise caution to avoid getting lost, particularly as the reserve connects to Wellington Park, characterized by vast stretches of native bushland that can be isolated and subject to extreme weather conditions.
- Access to the Telecom Towers and any facilities at the summit is prohibited, with the area under CCTV surveillance by TasNetworks.
Map and GPX file
Max elevation: 672 m
Min elevation: 431 m
Total climbing: 447 m
Total descent: -447 m
For more information on this trail, visit Greater Hobart Trails
Trail Location (trailhead)
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Getting there
From Glenorchy / Hobart: Travelling up Berridale Road, veer left onto Collinsvale Road. The trail head and parking is at the hairpin turn approximately 3.5 km from the Berridale - Collinsvale Road junction.
From Collinsvale: Travelling towards Glenorchy / Hobart, turn right at the Glenlusk - Collinsvale Road junction. The trail head and parking is at the hairpin turn approximately 400m downhill.
Photo gallery
If you have any photos from this hike and are happy to share them, please upload your .jpg files here.
Please note: Uploading photos does not transfer ownership of copyright away from you. If requested, you will be credited for any photos you provide and can ask they be deleted at any time.
About the region
The N.R. Pierce Reserve is a significant bushland reserve donated to the people of Glenorchy by the Pierce family in 1988 in memory of Norman R. Pierce. The reserve's 325+ hectares is contingent with Wellington Park, and contains a variety of threatened species and ecosystems.
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Explore Safe
While planning your hike, it’s important to check official government sources for updated information, temporary closures and trail access requirements. Before hitting the trail, check local weather and bushfire advice for planned burns and bushfire warnings and let someone know before you go. Plan ahead and hike safely.
Let someone know
Adventure with peace of mind: Fill out your trip intentions form. Before you hit the trail, fill out an online form to privately send important details about your hike to your family or friends. If you don’t return on time, they can easily alert emergency services, preventing worry and ensuring a swift response. Hike with peace of mind and enjoy your outdoor adventure to the fullest. Be smart, be safe: Register your plans here.
Gear to consider
What you carry in your pack will depend on the weather, terrain, time of year, type of adventure, and personal preferences. Having trouble deciding what gear’s right for you? My free planning, food and packing checklists provide an introduction to things your could consider (as well as the Ten Essentials) on your day, overnight and multi-day adventures. Customise your kit according to your personal needs, always considering safety first.Â
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Acknowledgement of Country
Trail Hiking Australia acknowledges the Traditional Owners of the lands on which we hike and pay respects to their Elders, past and present, and we acknowledge the First Nations people of other communities who may be here today.